Bayern Munich 4-0 Stuttgart: Player ratings as Robert Lewandowski nears Gerd Muller record

An inspired Robert Lewandowski was again the hero for Bayern Munich, bagging a hat-trick to help secure a 4-0 win over VfB Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena.

The hosts got off to a disastrous start when Alphonso Davies was sent off for a reckless challenge on Waturu Endo after just 12 minutes. With his studs showing, replays showed that the Canadian went in over the top of the ball - VAR subsequently encouraging the referee to upgrade his original yellow card to red.

But, in true Bayern fashion, the Bavarians not only coped with being a man down, they proceeded to tear Stuttgart apart.

Hansi Flick's side opening the scoring just six minutes later when Serge Gnabry's great run and pull back was smashed home by Lewandowski, before the German winger doubled their advantage minutes later after collecting Leroy Sane's lay off.

Stuttgart had barely got their breath back before Lewandowski made it three, planting a pinpoint header into the back of the net from Thomas Muller's lofted cross. The Pole then secured a first-half hat-trick, coolly slotting past Gregor Kobel after the ball ricocheted his way in the penalty area.

In a much more subdued second period, both teams threatened but failed to find a breakthrough - leaving Bayern to pick up the three points and stroll four points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig at the Bundesliga summit.

Let's get into Bayern's player ratings, shall we?

Bayern Munich player ratings

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Manuel Neuer (GK) - 7/10 - Showed really sharp reflexes to keep out several close range efforts. Did well to secure his side's first clean sheet in eight games.

Benjamin Pavard (RB) - 7/10 - As well as making a few good ball recoveries, the Frenchman got up and down the right flank well, also providing three key passes.

Jerome Boateng (CB) - 7/10 - Had a couple of dodgy moments but, in general, put in a commanding performance.

Niklas Sule (CB) - 6/10 - Gave away possession cheaply on occasion, but was largely untroubled throughout.

Alphonso Davies (LB) - 1/10 - Lasted all of 12 minutes before VAR punished his rash challenge on Endo, and yellow turned to red.

2. Midfielders

David Alaba (CM) - 7/10 - Filled in at left back after the dismissal of Davies and did really well against the pace of Silas Wamangituka and Tanguy Coulibaly, making four ball recoveries and seven clearances.

Leon Goretzka (CM) - 6/10 - Was left isolated and confined to sitting deep after Alaba moved to defence but, with nothing but attackers in front of him, did a good job in screening his back four.

Thomas Muller (AM) - 8/10 - Linked play up brilliantly in little pockets of space and made five key passes. Orchestrated the phenomenal team move for 2-0 and provided a perfect cross for the third.

3. Forwards

Leroy Sane (RW) - 7/10 - Looked bright on the ball and provided an end product, getting a neat assist for Gnabry's strike and forcing the opportunity for 4-0 with direct play down the right.

Robert Lewandowski (ST) - 10/10 - There really aren't enough words to describe this man. Another hat-trick, taking him up to 35 league goals this season. It's truly a matter of when, not if, he breaks Gerd Muller's 40-goal record.

Serge Gnabry (LW) - 8/10 - Found spaces with ease and really influenced proceedings in the first half. A fantastic assist for the first and a cool finish to notch his side's second.

4. Substitutes

Kingsley Coman (LW) - 6/10

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (ST) - 6/10

Jamal Musiala (AM) - N/A

Javi Martinez (DM) - N/A